We get pretty tired of keyboards that don't completely rule. The Eclipse III from Saitek probably isn't one of them -- it's backlit, after all, and that backlighting is totally multi-color, which is pretty important. At least to us. If that wasn't enough, this USB plug and play beast boasts a "two stage height" adjustor system, keys which are "laser-etched," headphone and microphone audio ports -- oh! and "time-saving Windows and internet shortcut keys." We have yet to see any indication of price, nor do we know when it will drop. Can we make a suggestion? ASAP would be for the best.

Update: It appears to be available for pre-order on Amazon for $79.99, and claims to be shipping within 2-5 weeks.


[Thanks, Calvin]

You can't seriously consider snapping up Saitek's Cyborg gaming mouse without picking up the Cyborg Keyboard to match, can ya? If you've managed to elude the already-launched alternatives up until now, this version sports an equally futuristic motif with multi-color backlighting, a touch sensitive, backlit control panel, a dozen programmable hot keys and the ability to morph into Cyborg mode -- which instantly disables the Windows keys and configures the color / brightness of your gaming keys with a single press. Furthermore, the 'board features metal-plated keys in "gaming areas," a pass-through USB socket, audio and microphone ports, an adjustable wrist rest and gold-plated connectors for good measure. Currently, pricing and availability details are nowhere to be found, but hang in there soldier, Saitek should be filling in those holes soon enough.

[Via Uber-Review]

At E3 earlier this month, Saitek demoed a peripheral sure to spark the interest of many a flight sim enthusiast. Their product, for now with no name, enables flight simulators to display different, customizable information from the "game" on three separate LCDs. Effectively, the displays emulate a real cockpit, where each bit of information comes from a separate module that is integrated into the dash. The device is scheduled for a fall launch, will cost only $99.99, and will be supported in several flight sims beyond the obvious Flight Simulator X -- we're crossing our fingers for X-Plane support.

Saitek, the creator of quite a few sexy PC peripherals, has apparently unveiled a duo of new PC accessories that take styling cues from console counterparts. While hardcore FPS gamers have long yearned for a mouse / keyboard combo for their disadvantaged consoles, Saitek could be hoping that the same mantra will prove true in reverse, and has introduced the Cyborg Rumble Gamepad and Cyborg Headset in order to give PC gamers a solid alternative to the age-old WASD method. The standout feature on the gamepad is its Precision Control mode that reportedly "allows gamers to select the sticks and buttons on the controller that, when the mode is activated, are desensitized so as to allow for the most precision." As for the headset (shown after the break), it boasts a "5.1 surround setup" and includes a trio of drivers in each ear, and while we wish pricing and availability details were already disclosed, it looks like we'll all be playing the wait-and-see game on Saitek's latest pair.

If you've found yourself pacing in tense anticipation for Apple's touch-sensitive mousing device, Saitek's latest could definitely calm your nerves and satisfy your desires simultaneously. The sexy Obsidian mouse touts a 1,000 DPI optical tracker, four-way touch-sensitive scroll, a bundled recharge cradle with wireless transmitter, five total buttons, support for Windows / OS X systems, Teflon feet, and best of all, it even includes a pair of Li-ion batteries to keep you mousing all through the night. Additionally, the curvaceous critter doesn't play favorites with dominant hands, as both righties and southpaws alike shouldn't have any qualms handling this one. Currently, the Obsidian is available now for £39.99 ($80) for our pals across the lake, but if you'll just be patient, the device is slated to land on US soil for a mere $49.95 real soon.

[Via I4U]

As any hardcore gamer will tell you, simulation games aren't really simulations unless you've got the appropriate hardware to back up all that finely-tuned software. Taking that into consideration, the folks at Extreme Tech decided to round up no less than ten controllers of various sorts to see how well they replicated the real thing, including flight sticks, throttles, steering wheels, and pedals. While any of the tested controllers will get the basic job done, they did find a few standouts in bunch. Getting top marks among the flight sticks was Saitek's X52 Pro, with CH 's Fighterstick Pro only slightly behind. CH came out ahead with its other flight-related peripherals, however, with its Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals USB getting marks of 8 out of 10 and 9 out of 10, respectively. For those who prefer to keep things on the ground, Extreme Tech found Logitech's G25 racing wheel (complete with pedals and console) to be the best bet for driving sims, although at $250, authenticity certainly doesn't come cheap. Those not willing to go that far may want to take a look at Microsoft's PC-compatible Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, which comes in at half the price Logitech's rig but, according to Extreme Tech, still provides a decent racing experience for less-demanding gamers.